Removable Tip Endoscope

ABSTRACT

There is provided herein, an endoscope comprising an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section wherein said tip section comprises a permanent section connected to the elongated shaft and a removable section securely connectable to the permanent section, wherein the removable section comprises at least one capture device and at least one light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/569,796, filed Dec. 13, 2011, the content of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a multi camera endoscope with aremovable tip section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Endoscopes have attained great acceptance within the medical community,since they provide a means for performing procedures with minimalpatient trauma, while enabling the physician to view the internalanatomy of the patient. Over the years, numerous endoscopes have beendeveloped and categorized according to specific applications, such ascystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy and others.

Endoscopes may be inserted into the body's natural orifices or throughan incision in the skin.

An endoscope is usually an elongated tubular shaft, rigid or flexible,having one or more video cameras or fiber optic lens assemblies at itsdistal end, or one or more video cameras or fiber optic lens assembliespositioned further back, e.g., more proximally on or near the lateralsurface area of the tip section, and point sideways. The shaft isconnected to a handle, which sometimes includes an ocular for directviewing. Viewing is also usually possible via an external screen.Various surgical tools may be inserted through a working channel in theendoscope for performing different surgical procedures.

Among the disadvantages of existing endoscopes, are their limited fieldof view and their complicated packing of all the required elements, suchas electronics and together with fluid carrying elements in the smallsized endoscope tip section. In addition, different procedures (forexample for different conditions or subjects) may require differentendoscope structures and functions.

There is thus a need in the art for endoscopes, such as colonoscopies,that allow a broader field of view and also enable the function of allnecessary elements in the tip section.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the disclosure relates to an endoscope comprising anelongated shaft terminating with a tip section, wherein said tip sectioncomprises: a permanent section connected to the elongated shaft; and aremovable section securely connectable to the permanent section, whereinthe removable section comprises one or more capture devices and one ormore light sources. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the capturedevice within the removable section comprises a front-facing camera. Insome embodiments of the endoscope, the capture device within theremovable section comprises a side-facing camera. In some embodiments ofthe endoscope, the capture device within the removable section comprisesa front-facing camera and a side-facing camera. In some embodiments ofthe endoscope, the permanent section comprises one or more capturedevices. In some embodiments, the capture device within the permanentsection comprises a side-facing camera. In some embodiments of theendoscope, the tip section comprises a distal face and the permanentsection forms a part of the distal face, and the removable section formsanother part of the distal face. In some embodiments of the endoscope,the tip section comprises a distal face, and the distal face is fullycomprised in the removable section. In some embodiments of theendoscope, the permanent section comprises a hollow elongated sectionprotruding from the permanent section and the removable sectioncomprises a channel configured to continue said hollow elongatedsection, so as to provide a working channel configured for insertion ofa surgical tool. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the removablesection comprises a hollow elongated section protruding from theremovable section and the permanent section comprises a channelconfigured to continue said hollow elongated section, so as to provide aworking channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool. In someembodiments of the endoscope, the removable section comprises anelongated section configured to pass a cable for electric or datasignals, the elongated section ending with a first connector, and thepermanent section comprises a recess configured to pass electric and/ordata signals, said recess comprising a second connector connectable tothe first connector. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the removablesection comprises a first optic fiber and a first lens, and thepermanent section comprises a second optic fiber and a second lens, suchthat the first lens corresponds to the second lens so as to transferlight between the first optic fiber and the second optic fiber. In someembodiments of the endoscope, the permanent section comprises anelongated section configured to pass a cable for electric or datasignals, the elongated section ending with a first connector, and theremovable section comprises a recess configured to pass electric or datasignals, the recess comprising a second connector connectable to thefirst connector. In some embodiments of the endoscope, the endoscopefurther comprises a switch on the permanent section such that theendoscope can operate only if the switch is pressed by the removablesection. In some embodiments of the endoscope, an indication of a statusof the switch is displayed on a display device.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a removable section of anendoscope tip, the removable section comprising one or more capturedevices and one or more light sources, wherein the removable section isconnectable to a permanent section of the endoscope tip. In someembodiments of the removable section, the capture device within theremovable section comprises a front-facing capture device. In someembodiments of the removable section, the capture device within theremovable section comprises a side-facing camera. In some embodiments ofthe removable section, the capture device within the removable sectioncomprises a front-facing camera and a side-facing camera. In someembodiments, the removable section is configured to form a part of adistal face of the endoscope tip. In some embodiments, the removablesection is configured to form a full distal face of the endoscope tip.In some embodiments, the removable section comprises a channel intowhich a hollow elongated section protruding from the permanent sectionis configured to be inserted, so as to provide a working channelconfigured for insertion of a surgical tool. In some embodiments theremovable section comprises a hollow elongated section protruding fromthe removable section, the hollow elongated section is configured to beinserted into a channel in the permanent section, so as to provide aworking channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool. In someembodiments, the removable section comprises an elongated sectionconfigured to pass a cable for electric or data signals, the elongatedsection ending with a first connector, connectable to a second connectorcomprised in a recess in the permanent section. In some embodiments, theremovable section comprises a recess configured to pass a cable forelectric or data signals, the recess comprising a connector, saidconnector connectable to a second connector located in an elongatedsection protruding from the permanent section. In some embodiments, theremovable section is adapted to press a switch on the permanent sectionsuch that the endoscope can operate only if the switch is pressed by theremovable section. In some embodiments the removable section isconfigured for a single use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensionsof components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen forconvenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown toscale. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 shows a semi-pictorial view of an endoscopy system;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a multi-camera endoscope;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a full cross section removable tipsection removed from the permanent section, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a full cross section removable tipsection attached to the permanent section, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a partial cross section removable tipsection removed from the permanent section, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a partial cross section removable tipsection attached to the permanent section, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An aspect of some embodiments relates to an endoscope having a removablemulti camera tip section.

The endoscope may comprise a front-pointing camera, fiber optic lensassembly, or another capturing device for capturing the area ofinterest, and optionally one or more light sources such as a LightEmitting Diode (LED), or one or more fluid injectors, positioned at adistal end of the endoscope for enabling the capturing device to captureimages of the body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. Theendoscope may further comprise an opening at its distal end, the openingconnected to a working channel, through which an operator may insert asurgical tool in order to remove, treat and/or extract a sample of thefindings in the body cavity. In some embodiments, the endoscope maycomprise one or more side-pointing capturing devices, and optionallyadditional light sources or fluid injectors, positioned further back,e.g., more proximally on the endoscope, on or near the lateral surfacearea of the tip section.

An endoscope is a general term for a wide variety of devices, which areadapted to be used in a variety of applications, such as cystoscopy,colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy or others.

According to some embodiments, one technical problem addressed by thedisclosed apparatus and method relates to multiple endoscopeconfigurations being required for handling the multiplicity ofapplications. Different configurations may require different type,number, positioning, directing, focusing or other tuning of thecapturing devices, light sources or other components on the endoscope.Therefore, although multiple parts of an endoscope system may be commonto many of the configurations, yet multiple endoscopes may be required.This poses significant requirements on a health institute, including forexample financial requirements, storage, maintenance, training or thelike.

Some different configurations may also be required for differentpatients or patient types, such as adults, children, babies, or thelike.

Some different configurations may also be required for differentprocedures, such as Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, Endoscopic Ultrasound(EUS), ERCP or the like.

Yet another technical problem addressed by embodiments of the disclosurerelates to maintenance costs. When replacing the camera head, forexample due to defective objective lens, the entire colonoscope has tobe disassembled, which is an expensive process.

According to some embodiments, a technical solution may be theprovisioning of an endoscope having a removable tip section. The tipsection may also be partially removable, for example, with a permanentsection and a removable section. The removable section of the tip may beremovably connected or attached to the permanent section of the tipwhich is connected to the shaft, so that endoscopes having differentconfigurations can be used with the same system. According to theendoscopic task to be performed, a removable section having anappropriate configuration is selected and connected to the shaft or tothe permanent section. When the endoscopy session is over, the removablesection of the tip may be removed and another removable section havingthe same or a different configuration can be connected to the permanentsection or to the shaft.

In some embodiments, the removable section of the tip comprises asubstantially full cross section of the tip, for example the wholedistal surface of the tip, possibly excluding some openings or smallparts such as rings. In some of these embodiments, all channels andflows going through the tip, such as optic fibers, power supply, watersupply, data lines transferring images, working channels fortransferring equipment, or the like, are made of at least two partswhich may be connected when the removable section is attached to thepermanent section. However, in other embodiments of the full crosssection removable sections, there may still be some materials orequipment which make their way only through the permanent section, whichhas one or more protruding parts going into and through the removablesection.

In other embodiments, all cross sections of the removable section aresubstantially partial to the cross sections of the tip, such that atleast one of the channels going through the tip are not split and arefully contained within the permanent section.

It will be appreciated that when the removable section is attached tothe permanent section, all channels and flows which are split betweenthe permanent section and the removable section, are securely connectedsuch that no tool, material or energy may leak between the parts, andthat all data may be continuously transferred.

In some embodiments, the removable section may be attached to thepermanent section in a secure manner which will ensure that theremovable section will not mistakenly disconnect from the permanentsection within the body. A verification mechanism may be provided whichadds extra security measures.

One technical effect of embodiments of the disclosed subject matterrelates to providing an endoscope with removable tip section. Thisenables the medical stuff to replace the tip section of the endoscope inaccordance with the required functionality, so as to use for each typeof endoscopic session the most suitable endoscope configuration,equipment, size, or the like. Different removable sections may then beused according to varying needs, thus eliminating the need forpurchasing and maintaining multiple endoscopes for differentapplications. Thus, different removable sections may be of differentconfigurations, for example have the image capturing components, lightsources, or working channels located at different locations on theremovable section, thus adjusting to the specific body cavity exploredor to possible findings within the body cavity. In other embodiments,the relative location between the image capturing components and thelight sources may differ. In yet other embodiments, different removablesections may contain different types of cameras, differing for examplein their wave length, lens assembly, sensor or other parts, pointingdirections, field of view, or other parameters. The light sources mayalso differ between different configurations, in order to provide thetype of light which the used sensor is sensitive to. Different removablesections can be made to adjust to different patients, for exampleremovable sections can be manufactured in different sizes for adults,children or babies. Different removable sections can also be used whendifferent view fields, different viewing angles or different opticalcharacteristics are required, for example in some situations a viewingangle of 170° may be used, while in situations that require viewing moredetails of a smaller area a viewing angle of 140° can be used.

Another technical effect of relates to providing a disposable removablesection, thus eliminating the need for sterilization or reprocessing andreducing contamination risks.

Yet another technical effect of the disclosed subject matter, accordingto some embodiments, relates to providing a removable section which canbe made personalized in order to provide good results for a particularpatient.

Yet another technical effect of the disclosed subject matter, accordingto some embodiments, relates to the replaceable top enabling a healthcare facility to maintain only a small number of endoscope systems, thusreducing cost and maintenance, while using the most appropriateendoscope for each type of endoscopic session, each patient, or thelike.

Referring now to FIG. 1, showing a semi-pictorial view of an endoscopysystem 100. System 100 may include a removable tip endoscope 102, suchas the removable tip endoscope of FIGS. 3 and/or 4. Removable tipendoscope 102 may include a handle 104, from which an elongated shaft106 emerges. Elongated shaft 106 terminates with a tip section 108 whichmay be turnable by way of a bending section 110. Handle 104 may be usedfor maneuvering elongated shaft 106 within a body cavity; the handle mayinclude one or more knobs and/or switches 105 which control bendingsection 110 as well as endoscopic functions such as fluid injection andsuction. Handle 104 may further include one or more working channelopenings such as working channel opening 112 through which surgicaltools may be inserted.

A utility tube 114 may connect between handle 104 and a controller 116.Utility tube 114 may include therein one or more fluid channels and oneor more electrical channels. The electrical channel(s) may include atleast one data cable for receiving visual signals such as video signalsfrom the camera or cameras on removable tip 102, as well as at least onepower cable for providing electrical power to the cameras and to thediscrete illuminators.

Controller 116 may govern power transmission to removable tip section108 of endoscope 102, such as for the tip section's cameras andilluminators. Controller 116 may further control one or more fluid,liquid and/or suction pump which supply corresponding functionalities toendoscope 102. One or more input devices, such as a keyboard 118 may beconnected to controller 116 for the purpose of human interaction withthe controller. In another configuration (not shown), an input device,such as a keyboard, may be integrated with the controller in a samecasing.

A display 120 may be connected to controller 116, and configured todisplay images and/or video streams received from the cameras ofremovable tip endoscope 102. Display 120 may further be operative todisplay a user interface for allowing a human operator to set variousfeatures of system 100.

Optionally, the image streams received from the one or more cameras ofremovable tip endoscope 102 may be displayed on display 120. Ifremovable tip endoscope 102 comprises multiple cameras, the images maybe displayed on display 120 side-by-side, interchangeably (namely, theoperator may switch between views from the different cameras manually),or in any other manner. Alternatively, the video streams may beprocessed by controller 116 to combine them into a single video framewhich may be panoramic or three-dimensional, based on an overlap betweenfields of view of the cameras or on known coordinates obtained forexample from fiducials.

In another configuration (not shown), two or more displays may beconnected to controller 116, each for displaying a video stream from adifferent camera of the multi-camera endoscope.

Referring now to FIG. 2, showing a perspective view of a removable tipendoscope.

Endoscope 200 may include an elongated shaft (not shown), a bendingsection (not shown) and a tip section 201 which terminates theendoscope. The bending section may enable the turning of tip section 201in different directions. Tip section 201 may comprise a removablesection 202 and a permanent section 207 connected along line 203.

Removable section 202 may include therein a front-pointing capturingdevice such as a camera or a video camera 204 which may capture imagesthrough a hole in a distal end surface 206 of tip section 201. Adiscrete front illuminator 208, which is optionally a light-emittingdiode (LED), may be associated with front-pointing camera 204 and usedfor illuminating its field of view through another hole in distal endsurface 206. The LED may be a white light LED, an infrared light LED, anear infrared light LED or an ultraviolet light LED. The light may begenerated internally within endoscope tip section 201, or generatedremotely and transferred, for example, by a fiber optic. In someembodiments, removable section 202 may comprise two or moreilluminators, wherein at least one may generate the light internally,and at least one may provide remotely generated light.

A front fluid injector 210 may be used for cleaning at least one offront-pointing camera 204 and discrete front illuminator 208. Frontfluid injector 210 may be slightly elevated from distal end surface 206,to enable it to inject fluid, from its side 210a, onto front-pointingcamera 204 and discrete front illuminator 208. Front fluid injector 210may be configured to inject fluids such as water, air and/or the like.

Distal end surface 206 may further include a hole defining a workingchannel 212. Working channel 212 may be a hollow tube configured forinsertion of a surgical tool to operate on various tissues. For example,miniature forceps may be inserted through working channel 212 in orderto remove a polyp or sample of which for biopsy. In alternativeembodiments working channel 212 can be used for applying suction forevacuating various liquids and/or solids which exist in the body cavityand interfere with the inspection. In some embodiments, opening 212 canextend to an internal cylinder which comprises a part of permanentsection 207.

A pathway fluid injector 214, defined by another hole in distal endsurface 206, may be used for inflating and/or cleaning the body cavityinto which endoscope 200 is inserted. Inflation may be performed byflowing air or another gas through pathway fluid injector 214, and maybe beneficial for cases in which the body cavity, such as the colon, isshriveled or otherwise does not allow for efficient inspection. Cleaningmay be achieved, for example, by injecting a liquid, such as water orsaline, on an unclean area of the body cavity

Furthermore, pathway fluid injector 214 (or a different tube, not shown)may be used for applying suction, in order to evacuate various liquidsand/or solids which exist in the body cavity and interfere with theinspection.

Permanent section 207 of tip section 201 may include therein aside-pointing camera 216 which may capture images through a hole in acylindrical surface 205 of the permanent section 207 of tip section 201.A side illuminator 222, which is optionally similar to front illuminator208, may be associated with side-pointing camera 216 and used forilluminating its field of view through another hole in cylindricalsurface 205. A side fluid injector 220 may be used for cleaning at leastone of side-pointing camera 216 and discrete side illuminator 222. Inorder to prevent tissue damage when cylindrical surface 205 of permanentsection 207 contacts a side wall of the body cavity, side fluid injector220 and side-pointing camera 216 may be located in a notch 218 in thecylindrical surface. This way, side fluid injector 220 may be elevatedfrom depression 218 but still not significantly protrude from the levelof cylindrical surface 205. The elevation of side fluid injector 220 mayenable it to inject fluid, from its opening 220 a, onto side-pointingcamera 216. In an alternative configuration (not shown), one or morediscrete side illuminators may also be included in the depression, sothat fluid injected from the side fluid injector may reach them. In yetanother configuration (not shown), a side-pointing camera, one or moreside illuminators and a side fluid injector may not be located in adepression, but rather be on essentially the same level as thecylindrical surface of the tip section.

It will be appreciated that the division of tip section 201 intoremovable section 202 and permanent section 207 shown in FIG. 2 isschematic only and is intended as a general demonstration. The cameras,working channels, illumination channels, fluid injectors and othercomponents may be split between removable section 202 and permanentsection 207 in any other manner as demonstrated in the exemplaryembodiments detailed in association with FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 below.

It will be appreciated that further flexibility may be provided if anyof the capture devices (such as cameras), working channels, illuminationchannels and other components are provided on the removable sectionrather than on the permanent section. In such arrangement, eachremovable section is configured and equipped with the camera types andother equipment and arrangement which are most appropriate for the task.However, some equipment such as cameras of higher quality and price maybe located on the permanent section, so as to better utilize suchresources in multiple application types.

Referring now to FIG. 3, showing a perspective view of a substantiallyfull cross section of a removable tip, removed from the permanentsection.

Removable section 302 of a tip of an endoscope is shown removed frompermanent section 307, wherein permanent section 307 is connected to ashaft (not shown).

Removable section 302 may comprise one or more capture devices forexample video camera 304, one or more light sources such as light source328, or one or more fluid injector such as 332 or 336.

One or more cables providing power to camera 304 and transferring imagesfrom camera 304 to the shaft go through removable section 302, into andthrough an elongated section 308 protruding from removable section 302.When removable section 302 is connected to permanent section 307,elongated section 308 enters a corresponding recess 312 in permanentsection 307. In some embodiments, elongated section 308 may end with aconnector, wherein recess 312 contains a corresponding connector, suchthat when elongated section 308 is entered into recess 312 the twoconnectors connect such that power or data can flow between theendoscope and camera 304. For example, a plug located at the end ofelongated section 308 may enter a corresponding socket inside recess312. In alternative embodiments, recess 312 may comprise a plug andelongated section 308 may comprise a socket.

Thus, electric signals or data may pass through elongated section 308and recess 312 from the shaft to the camera.

In some embodiments, elongated section 308 may protrude from permanentsection 307 while recess 312 may be placed on removable section 302.

It will be appreciated that removable section 302 or permanent section307 may comprise additional one or more pairs of protruding sections andcorresponding channels, for transferring water or other fluids orliquids, optic fibers or any other material or equipment. When theprotruding sections and corresponding channels are used for transferringfluids or liquids, one or two of them may be constructed with gasketsfor sealing the fluids or liquids and avoiding leakage into the body orinto other parts of the endoscope tip, from a gap between removablesection 302 and permanent section 307.

Permanent section 307 may also comprise a hollow elongated section 316protruding therefrom containing channel 320. When removable section 302is connected to permanent section 307, hollow elongated section 316 isinserted into a corresponding channel 324 in removable section 202,which extends through the entire length of removable section 302, thusenabling a surgical tool (not shown) to pass through a working channelextending from the shaft through channel 320 of hollow elongated section316 and through channel 324 in removable section 302 to distal surface305 of removable section 302, so that the surgical tool can be used foroperating on the body cavity of the patient.

Removable section 302 may also comprise one or more side-pointingcapturing devices such as camera 338, one or more light sources 340 orone or more fluid injectors 344. The utilities to camera 338, lightsource 340 or injector 344, may be received from the same provisioningas the front facing camera, light sources and injectors, throughcorresponding pipes within the body of removable section 302 aroundchannel 324. The images captured by camera 338 may also be transferredthrough the same channels.

It will be appreciated that removable section 302 or permanent section307 may comprise additional side pointing cameras, light sources orinjectors.

Removable section 302 and permanent section 307 may be connected by anyknown mechanism, such as locking mechanism, fastening mechanism, snapmechanism, or the like.

Removable section 302 or permanent section 307 may be equipped with abutton 352 for releasing the connection. In order to avoid harming thebody cavity of the user, button 352 may be placed within a recess so asnot to protrude from the surface of the tip section. In someembodiments, the connection may only be released if a correspondingcommand is provided from an external source, such as simultaneousclicking on a control on display 120 which may be translated to anelectrical or mechanical effect required for releasing the connection,in order to prevent unwanted accidental release.

In some embodiments, permanent section 307 may comprise a button oranother sensitive area such as switch 348 which may be touched orpressed by removable section 302, only when removable section 302 issecurely connected to permanent section 307. Such button may also beelectrically connected to the endoscope handle or controller and mayprovide an indication to the endoscope operator whether the parts aresecurely connected. The indication may be visual, such as an icon ondisplay 120. In some embodiments, when the connection is released, avocal indication may also be provided as well to alert the operator.

In some embodiments, there may be two degrees or two mechanisms ofconnection between removable section 302 and permanent section 307. Ifone degree or one mechanism is released while the endoscope is beingused, the operator may receive a first alert so he or she can remove theendoscope or otherwise correct the situation before the removablesection is released within the body cavity of the patient.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that if theendoscope comprises an optic fiber, then each of removable section 302and permanent section 307 may comprise a part of the fiber, wherein thesections may comprise corresponding lenses for providing continuitybetween the fiber parts by transferring light.

Referring now to FIG. 4 showing a perspective view of a substantiallyfull cross section removable tip section attached to the permanentsection.

In FIG. 4, removable section 302 is fully connected to permanent section307, such that elongated section 308 and hollow elongated section 316 ofFIG. 3 are inserted into corresponding recess 312 and channel 324,respectively. Electric signals or energy as well as water or fluids maypass through permanent section 307 to removable section 302, and imagescaptured by the cameras are transferred back and may be displayed to anoperator.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing a perspective view of a partial crosssection removable tip section.

In FIG. 5, distal face 305 of the endoscope tip is comprised of twoparts, wherein a first part 305′ of distal face is of permanent section507, while the other part 305″ is of removable section 502. Thus, eachcross section of removable section 502 comprises a partial cross sectionof the tip section when assembled of the two sections. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 5, channel 320′ fully contained within permanentsection 507 forms a working channel and reaches through permanentsection 507 to the distal face so that tools or other equipment can bepassed.

Removable section 502 may be equipped with cameras 304 or 338, lightsources 328 or 340, or one or more fluid injector 332, 336 or 344 whichmay be located at the front face or on side face of removable section502 as required. The cameras, light sources or fluid injectors may beimplemented and receive utilities as detailed in association with FIG. 3above.

Removable section 502 may also comprise one or more elongated sectionssuch as elongated section 308′ which fits into recess 312′ of permanentsection 507. The one or more elongated sections such as elongatedsection 308′ may function as anchoring mechanism to secure removablesection 502 within permanent section 507. Alternatively or additionally,the one or more elongated sections such as elongated section 308′ may beused for transferring electric energy, fluids, liquids, optic fibers orother equipment or materials between removable section 502 and/orsurface 305″ and the endoscope handle and/or console.

In order to provide for full and tight connection between removablesection 502 and permanent section 507, removable section 502 maycomprise a trapeze shaped bulge which fits into recess 544 of permanentsection 507. In alternative embodiments, removable section 502 maycomprise a recess and permanent section 507 may comprise a bulge.

Permanent section 507 and removable section 502 may be connected in anyrequired manner as detailed in association with FIG. 3 above.

Referring now to FIG. 6 showing a perspective view of a partial crosssection removable tip section attached to the permanent section.

When removable section 502 is securely attached to permanent section507, first part 305′ of the tip section distal face which is part ofremovable section 502, and second part 305″ of the tip section distalface which is part of permanent section 507 are substantially on thesame plane with minimal or no gap therebetween, and complement eachother to create the full distal face of the tip section. When removablesection 502 and permanent section 507 are securely attached, switch 348of FIG. 5 may be pressed to provide an indication to an operator of theendoscope. Removable section 502 and permanent section 507 may bereleased by pressing button 352, with or without providing an externalrelease command.

When removable section 502 is securely attached to permanent section507, utilities and equipment may be passed through a working channelformed by channel 320′ and through elongated section 308′ andcorresponding channels in permanent section 507.

It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to a singleremovable sections, and various implementations can be designed in whichtwo or more removable sections are used, for example to further increasethe modularity and flexibility as appropriate for each application type.

While a number of exemplary embodiments and configurations have beendiscussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certainmodifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. Itis therefore intended that the following appended claims and claimshereafter introduced be interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words“comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarilylimited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

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 21. An endoscope comprising an elongated shaft defined by alongitudinal axis, wherein the elongated shaft comprises: a permanentsection fixedly connected to the elongated shaft, wherein the permanentsection extends cylindrically along the longitudinal axis, comprising: acylindrical recess that extends along the longitudinal axis; a firstconnector positioned within said cylindrical recess; and a hollowcylindrical elongated protrusion extending from a distal face of thepermanent section; a cylindrical removable section connectable to thepermanent section, the removable section comprising: a cylindricalchannel into which the hollow cylindrical elongated section protrusionfrom the permanent section is configured to be slidably inserted,thereby securely connecting the cylindrical removable section to thepermanent section; an elongated section extending from a proximal faceof the cylindrical removable section and having a second connector,wherein said second connector is configured to connect to the firstconnector positioned in the cylindrical recess; at least one capturedevice positioned in the cylindrical removable section; and at least onelight source positioned in the cylindrical removable section; wherein,upon attachment of the cylindrical removable section to the permanentsection, a substantially cylindrical endoscope tip is formed; a lockingmechanism configured to form a connection between the permanent sectionand the cylindrical removable section; and a button positioned in arecess located on a side of the permanent section or cylindricalremovable section, wherein the button is configured to release thelocking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to onlybe released if a corresponding command is provided from a control on adisplay device and wherein said corresponding command is configured tocause an electrical or mechanical effect required for releasing thelocking mechanism.
 22. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein thecylindrical removable section comprises a distal face of the endoscopetip.
 23. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein the at least one capturedevice within the cylindrical removable section comprises a front-facingcamera.
 24. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein the at least one capturedevice within the cylindrical removable section comprises a side-facingcamera.
 25. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein the at least one capturedevice within the cylindrical removable section comprises a front-facingcamera and further comprising a side-facing camera positioned in thecylindrical removable section.
 26. The endoscope of claim 21, whereinthe permanent section comprises at least one capture device.
 27. Theendoscope of claim 26, wherein at least one capture device within thepermanent section comprises at least one side-facing camera.
 28. Theendoscope of claim 21, wherein, when the cylindrical channel of thecylindrical removable section and the hollow cylindrical elongatedsection protrusion from the permanent section are mated, a workingchannel is formed, wherein said working channel is configured to receivea surgical tool.
 29. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein the cylindricalremovable section comprises a first optic fiber and a first lens, andthe permanent section comprises a second optic fiber and a second lens,such that the first lens is aligned with the second lens so as totransfer light between the first optic fiber and the second optic fiber.30. The endoscope of claim 21 further comprising a switch on thepermanent section, wherein the endoscope is configured to only operatewhen the switch is pressed by the cylindrical removable section.
 31. Theendoscope of claim 30 wherein an indication of a status of the switch isdisplayed on a display device.
 32. An endoscope comprising an elongatedshaft defined by a longitudinal axis, wherein the elongated shaftcomprises: a permanent section fixedly connected to a distal end of theelongated shaft, wherein the permanent section is cylindrical andextends distally along the longitudinal axis; a cylindrical removablesection configured to connect to the permanent section, wherein, uponconnection of the cylindrical removable section to the permanentsection, a substantially cylindrical endoscope tip is formed; and abutton positioned in a recess located on a side of the permanent sectionor the cylindrical removable section, wherein the button is configuredto release the connection between the cylindrical removable section andthe permanent section, wherein the connection is only released if acorresponding command is provided from a control on a display device,and wherein the corresponding command is configured to cause anelectrical or mechanical effect required for releasing the connection.33. The endoscope of claim 32, wherein the permanent section comprises:a cylindrical recess that extends along the longitudinal axis; and ahollow cylindrical elongated protrusion emerging from a distal face ofthe permanent section.
 34. The endoscope of claim 33, wherein thecylindrical removable section comprises a cylindrical channel into whichthe hollow cylindrical elongated section protrusion from the permanentsection is configured to be slidably inserted, thereby securelyconnecting the cylindrical removable section to the permanent section.35. The endoscope of claim 33, wherein the cylindrical removable sectioncomprises an elongated section comprising a first connector, wherein asecond connector is positioned within a recess in the permanent section,and wherein the first connector is configured to connect with the secondconnector when said cylindrical removable section is connected to thepermanent section.
 36. The endoscope of claim 32, wherein thecylindrical removable section comprises at least one capture device. 37.The endoscope of claim 36, wherein the at least one capture devicewithin the removable section comprises at least one of a front-facingcamera and a side-facing camera.
 38. The endoscope of claim 32, whereinthe cylindrical removable section comprises at least one light source.